Where to Go Glamping in UAE in 2024: 13 Epic Experiences
There are so many bucket list experiences to be had in the UAE, and going glamping is one of them. As the brutal summer months come to an end, outdoor activities resume across the Emirates, and that includes the many incredible glamping experiences. If you’re wondering where to go glamping in UAE, I’ve got you covered with these 13 truly unique glamping spots!
Whether you want to stargaze from a dome on a private island in Umm Al Quwain, splash out on a luxury tent in the sand dunes of Dubai, spend the weekend at an all-inclusive beachfront “glampground” in Ras Al Khaimah, or spot free-roaming African animals from your 5-star tent-villa in Abu Dhabi, you can live out your fantasies with the many epic UAE glamping options.
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13 Epic Spots to Go Glamping in UAE
Glamping in Dubai
1. The Nest by Sonara
If you want to do some luxury glamping in Dubai, look into staying at The Nest by Sonara. Located in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Sonara Campsite is just 30 minutes from Downtown Dubai – but you really feel like you’re worlds away!
This luxury campsite is dotted with 14 eco-friendly “Nests,” which were designed by award-winning architect Gianni Ranaulo. Your luxury Nest will be outfitted with a plush double bed, boho-chic decor, a writing desk, a natural stone ensuite bathroom, and a furnished patio area complete with a fire pit.
A glamping experience at The Nest by Sonara is all about enjoying the outdoors, so you won’t find TVs or Wi-Fi in your Nest. Instead, you’ll spend your time exploring the desert, enjoying alfresco meals prepared by the resident chef, sipping drinks at the licensed bar, and doing some serious stargazing at night.
2. Hatta Resorts
When it comes to glamping in Dubai, the options are limited. For something a bit more wallet-friendly then The Nest by Sonora, Hatta Resorts is a wildly popular option. But instead of being in the middle of the desert, you’ll be glamping in the mountains of beautiful Hatta.
Located 90 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Hatta Resorts offers three different glamping options. You can glamp in style in one of the luxury Airstream trailers, stargaze from a dome-shaped tent, or take in magical views of Hatta Wadi Hub from a luxe mountainside cabin. Or you can take your time and try all three experiences!
3. Terra Solis Dubai
Terra Solis is the perfect option if you’re looking for party vibes in the middle of the Dubai desert. This place is a part of the Tomorrowland family, meaning you can expect a social atmosphere complete with DJs by the massive pool on weekdays and parties on weekend evenings. It’s well worth checking the events calendar to see what’s going on and who’s performing during your visit.
Terra Solis offers three accommodation options: the Polaris luxury tents, the mid-century-style Perseid lodges, and the Orion pool lodges with your very own furnished outdoor terrace and pool area. There’s also a restaurant overlooking the pool where you can enjoy globally-inspired eats and stiff cocktails from the bar.
Glamping in Abu Dhabi
4. Pura Eco Retreats – Jebel Hafit Desert Park
When it comes to glamping in UAE, you’re going to find loads of options in Abu Dhabi. And Pura Eco Retreats in Al Ain’s Jebel Hafit Desert Park is one of the coolest.
As the name implies, this place is set at the base of Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, making this one for nature lovers who want to get out and hike, mountain bike, or take a guided camel ride. But it’s also one for culture and history enthusiasts who want to explore the areas spectacular archaeological sites.
You can choose from a variety of luxe accommodation options. But whether you decide to stargaze from a Dome Tent, get cultured in a Heritage Tent, go basic with a Safari Tent, or splash out on the mid-century-style Premium Lodge, the experience is bound to be an incredible one!
5. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas
If you’re searching for luxury UAE glamping experiences, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas is well worth the splurge. Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, this protected reserve is home to free-roaming animals, from herds of Arabian oryx to cheetahs and giraffes.
This is “glamping” at its best and a stay here is an absolute bucket-list experience if you’ve always dreamed of embarking on an African safari! Plus, you’ll get to stay in style in one of the property’s 30 safari-style villas.
If you want to go all out, it’s well worth booking the One Bedroom Pool Villa. These luxury units feature a four-poster bed in the bedroom, a separate living room, an ensuite with a standalone soaking tub, and a private terrace with a plunge pool and loungers. It’s the perfect place to rest up after a day spotting exotic animals on a desert drive or kayaking through mangroves, among many nature-centric experiences on offer to guests.
6. Bab Al Nojoum – Hudayriyat Island
For some of the absolute coolest glamping in UAE, Bab Al Nojoum – Hudayriyat Island offers a truly unique experience. This glampsite is located on an island near Downtown Abu Dhabi, making it a great option if you’re looking for a beach getaway.
The accommodation options here are all tempting. But for a full UAE glamping experience, you can choose from the basic Wave Tent or upgrade to a Chalet Tent or two-story Duplex Tent with a private plunge pool. No matter what, you’ll be steps from the beach.
But the real temptation comes with the new Overwater Villas. Even the most basic of these villas comes with a private outdoor deck with two loungers and a vanishing-edge plunge pool overlooking the ocean. You can even take in the endless ocean views from bed. It’s like being transported to the Maldives without leaving the UAE!
Glamping in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)
7. The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK
If you’re craving adventure, The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK is one of the best glamping spots in the UAE. The accommodation options range from dome tents and elevated tree houses to wood cabins and heritage huts.
But one of the coolest things about The Dunes Camping & Safari RAK are the experiences. Whether you want to embark on an early morning safari, ride a quad bike, go dune bashing, or ride a camel through the desert, there are all sort of bucket-list-worthy things to do!
8. Longbeach Campground
Located on a 300-meter stretch of beach in Ras Al Khaimah, Longbeach Campground is another one of the best glamping spots in UAE. This is an especially fun option if you’d love an all-inclusive experience with family-friendly amenities galore!
The all-inclusive package gives you access to the beach, pool, outdoor spa, yard games, water sports, an outdoor cinema, and loads more. There’s even a Kiddos Club, perfect for keeping your kids entertained. You’ll also love dining alfresco for breakfast and dinner at the Beach Dining Area and grabbing afternoon snacks and evening drinks with an ocean view at the Infinity Pool Bar.
And then there are the accommodation options, which range from the Panoramic Dome Suite Tent and the teepee-style Authentic Deluxe Tent to the family-friendly Safari Suite Tent and the oceanfront Sunset Terrace Suite, complete with a private hot tub on the terrace!
9. Bedouin Oasis Camp
One for culture lovers, Bedouin Oasis Camp offers some of the most authentic and traditional glamping in UAE. Set in the middle of the desert in Ras Al-Khaimah, this place allows you to experience falconry, archery, henna, sandboarding, camel trekking, and so much more.
For the most authentic accommodation option, opt for the Bedouin Family Tent, which allows you to “live like a Bedouin for a night.” This package also allows you to attend traditional live performances, as well as a barbeque dinner under the stars each evening. You can do all the stargazing you want each night, but be sure to wake up in time to experience a stunning sunrise in the morning!
10. Banan Beach
Another gem in Ras Al Khaimah, Banan Beach is the epitome of cool. This dreamy UAE glamping spot is set right on the shores of RAK and is a great pick for a romantic retreat, a friend’s getaway, or a family-friendly vacay.
This elevated campsite is dotted with rustic-chic A-frame cabins, stilted beachfront rooms with private decks overlooking the ocean, and rooms with garden views. Or if you want to go all out, book the Nablus Chalet, which can sleep up to six adults and gives your group a private pool area complete with swings, a BBQ area, and wet bar.
Accommodation aside, you’ll get access to both the adults-only and family pool areas, the casual on-site restaurant, and the beach, of course!
Glamping in Umm Al Quwain
11. Siniya Island Leisure Campground
If you’ve always dreamed of doing some waterfront glamping in UAE, make your way to Umm Al Quwain, where you’ll find the Siniya Island Leisure Campground. Sinaya Island is actually home to 90 square kilometers of natural reserve that’s home to deer, seabirds, and an abundance of other aquatic and wildlife species.
To get here, you’ll take a short speedboat ride and hop into a 4×4 until you reach the campsite. The journey is part of the adventure!
Here you’ll find eight luxury domes that are surprisingly spacious and outfitted with all of the creature comforts of home. But the best part is that the panoramic windows give you unreal views of the waterway right in front of the dome and the ocean just beyond it.
This is one for nature lovers, who would love to kayak around the mangroves, spot flamingos and falcons in the wild, lounge on a crystal-clear beach, embark on fishing excursions – the list of outdoor activities goes on!
Glamping in Sharjah
12. Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection
When it comes to ultra-luxurious glamping in UAE, it’s tough to beat Kingfisher Retreat by Sharjah Collection. You’ll find this exclusive 5-star campsite hidden away on an island on the east coast of Sharjah.
You can choose from one of the 20 private “tents,” which are more like VIP villas than actual tents! The Private One Bedroom Tents come with either mountain or ocean views and are outfitted with separate bedrooms and living rooms and an outdoor viewing deck with a private plunge pool.
There are also five Private Three Bedroom Tents on-site, perfect if you’re traveling as a family or group. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular coastal mangroves, where you’ll have the chance to spot everything from birds to gazelles to turtles. The staff are also happy to arrange excursions like kayaking trips and sunset yoga sessions.
You’ll also be lavished with gourmet organic meals from the on-site Al Qurm Restaurant, or you can arrange for the staff to bring everything you need to have a DIY BBQ meal at your private tent. However you decide to spend your trip, expect to be treated like royalty at Kingfisher Retreat!
13. Moon Retreat by Sharjah Collection
Also brought to you by the Sharjah Collection, Moon Retreat also offers one of the most luxurious UAE glamping experiences. But unlike Kingfisher Retreat, this place is set in the middle of the spectacular Mleiha Desert in Sharjah.
You’ll be torn between staying in one of the 10 luxury domes or six private tents. A dome is your best bet if you want to do some serious stargazing during the evenings. Each dome even has a private terrace with a plunge pool, two loungers, a BBQ, and a telescope.
Alternately, the one and two-bedroom tents offer more space and more luxury, as well as a furnished terrace where you can host private BBQs (the staff will bring you everything you need!) while taking in unspoiled desert views. (Do note that the one-bedroom tents are the only units that don’t feature a private pool!).
